Mechanisms for the Inhibition of Colon Cancer Cells by Sulforaphane through Epigenetic Modulation of MicroRNA-21 and Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) Down-regulation

Author(s):Samantha L. Martin,
Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, United StatesRishabh Kala,
Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, United StatesTrygve O. Tollefsbol*.
Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States

Graphical Abstract:

Abstract:

Background: Epigenetic modulations such as histone modifications are becoming increasingly
valued for their ability to modify genes without altering the DNA sequence. Many bioactive
compounds have been shown to alter genetic and epigenetic profiles in various cancers. Sulforaphane
(SFN), an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage and broccoli
sprouts, is one of the most potent histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) to date. Recently, it
has been identified that HDACis may play a vital role in regulating microRNAs (miRs) and human
telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT).

Objective: The aim of our study was to identify if aberrant HDAC, hTERT and miR levels could be
regulated through novel dietary-based approaches in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Results: We demonstrated the inhibitory effects of physiologically relevant concentrations of SFN in
both HCT116 and RKO CRC cells, and showed for the first time that SFN treatment decreased cell
density, significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. We also found that
practical doses of SFN significantly down-regulated oncogenic miR-21, HDAC and hTERT mRNA,
protein and enzymatic levels in CRC cells.

Conclusion: Our studies suggest that the regulation of HDAC, hTERT and miR-21 is a promising
approach for delaying and/or preventing CRC and may be accomplished via the consumption of SFN
in cruciferous vegetables.

Current Cancer Drug Targets

Title:Mechanisms for the Inhibition of Colon Cancer Cells by Sulforaphane through Epigenetic Modulation of MicroRNA-21 and Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) Down-regulation

VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 1

Author(s):Samantha L. Martin, Rishabh Kala and Trygve O. Tollefsbol*

Affiliation:Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294

Abstract:Background: Epigenetic modulations such as histone modifications are becoming increasingly
valued for their ability to modify genes without altering the DNA sequence. Many bioactive
compounds have been shown to alter genetic and epigenetic profiles in various cancers. Sulforaphane
(SFN), an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage and broccoli
sprouts, is one of the most potent histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) to date. Recently, it
has been identified that HDACis may play a vital role in regulating microRNAs (miRs) and human
telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT).

Objective: The aim of our study was to identify if aberrant HDAC, hTERT and miR levels could be
regulated through novel dietary-based approaches in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Results: We demonstrated the inhibitory effects of physiologically relevant concentrations of SFN in
both HCT116 and RKO CRC cells, and showed for the first time that SFN treatment decreased cell
density, significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. We also found that
practical doses of SFN significantly down-regulated oncogenic miR-21, HDAC and hTERT mRNA,
protein and enzymatic levels in CRC cells.

Conclusion: Our studies suggest that the regulation of HDAC, hTERT and miR-21 is a promising
approach for delaying and/or preventing CRC and may be accomplished via the consumption of SFN
in cruciferous vegetables.